California is known for year-round sunshine, big name celebrities, bare bodies and most importantly, the beautiful beaches. Here are some of the great southern California beaches that you certainly do not want to miss.
Malibu: One of the most widely-known beaches in the country, Malibu, is a hot spot for celebrity sightings and multimillion-dollar homes. While the people are not known to be the friendliest in the area, the beach is gorgeous. There are plenty of private and hidden beach areas that don’t get overridden with tourists, so find a local and tag along.
Coronado: In the heart of San Diego, just a touch north of the Mexican border, lies beautiful Coronado Island. This “island” which is actually a peninsula, spans just a few miles long with tons of shops, boutiques, hotels, and sandy shores for locals and tourists alike.
La Jolla: This area of the California coastline is quite possibly the most photographed beach view in the world, at the very least, in this country. Home to an abundant underwater wildlife and a thriving local community, tourists often flock to this area when looking for a nice, relaxing, luxurious, and family-friendly location in San Diego.
Mission Beach: this family-friendly location is a haven for tourists. Belmont Park is modeled after the famous Coney Island, with an old timey roller coaster and handmade funnel cakes. This area has some of the most amazing southern California vacation rentals around. Whether you’re there for the beach shops or the boardwalk food, Mission Beach is a great day-at-the-beach kind of place.
Santa Monica: If you like the celebrity-feel of Malibu, and the tourist-feel of Mission, head up the coast to Santa Monica in Los Angeles County. The celebrity sightings are common, while the diversity for shops, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions are sure to satisfy all ages.
Sonoma Coast: For those of you that enjoy nature, the 10-mile expanse of beach along the Sonoma Coast is the place for you. From over 300 species of birds, to gray whales and seal pups, there are always creatures to see from the shore. The sand is clean and the beachgoers are friendly.
Santa Cruz: The 29-mile stretch of beach is known far and wide as a great area for surfing. The variation among areas makes it a very family-friendly strip of beach that is sure to please kids, swimmers, surfers, fishers and more.
Carlsbad: Just an hour south of Los Angeles, Carlsbad beaches are renowned for their family-friendly atmosphere and calm coastline. There are quite a few local surf spots throughout Carlsbad, while the State Beach is a popular camping location. There are plenty of vacation rentals in the area, which makes for a nice and relaxing trip for the family.
3 Comments
RonLeyba
The video alone can really make me go gaga over those beaches. What more if I can really pay a visit to these prime locations. Really great scenery!
Taylor Logan Smith
Im surprised to see that Santa Barbara is not listed. They have some of the best beaches around in Southern California. I recently just got home from a trip to SB and the beaches were amazing, and warm and my family and I had such a wonderful time. The surf was exceptional as well. Beaches such as Butterfly, Hammonds and Rincon were all great. We stayed at the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com) and had a great time. Incredibly affordable and really close to the beach, we loved it!
mcraig99
I have to agree with the above comment- how is SANTA BARBARA not listed? That place has some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen (and I have seen a many of beaches!). Butterfly, Rincon, Campus Point, such great surf spots as well as post up points, hiking the bluffs or even a light stroll on the beach is the most enjoyable here. I love going there with my husband, we always have the best time, no matter what time of the year. The South Coast Inn (www.goleta-hotel.com) is close to the beach and near a wonderful bike path that takes you right down town!
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